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Bartenders can be some of the most perceptive people out there. They can read the room and they can definitely notice when someone doesn’t have the best of intentions towards some of the other guests. In short, they have the power to be everyday heroes and protect their customers from men with dubious intentions.

Case in point, New Yorker Laura Motta shared a simple but very effective way how a bartender kept her safe from a potentially dangerous guy sitting at the bar. Her tweet immediately went viral, getting nearly 800k likes on the social media platform, and inspiring others to share similar stories.

People opened up about how they were protected or protected others themselves, whether in bars, on the street, or elsewhere. We’ve collected the most powerful stories. Scroll down to read them, Pandas. And if you want to open up about the times someone kept you from harm or you saved someone in need, you can tell us all about it in the comments.

More info: Twitter | LauraMotta.com

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    #3

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    Nick Lasley
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's great that they helped, and I'm not saying they had any ill intentions because they obviously didn't, but it's weird that he didn't just stop the guy from tampering with her tire, or warn her about it, instead just decided to temporarily freak her out by surrounding her car.

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    Laura, based in New York, is an editorial director, content strategist, and lifestyle writer who specialized in travel. Her viral tweet and the entire thread that followed showed just how complicated and potentially risky real-life really is.

    There are plenty of dangerous people lurking out there. But there are also kind folks who go out of their way to help a stranger. It’s the best and the worst of humanity. And sometimes a friendly bartender giving you a warning on their phone screen can be the only thing protecting you from future harm.

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    Potty pagan panda
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would have been good to note his number plate and report to police. This a**hole might try with someone else :((

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    This isn’t the first time that Bored Panda has written about bartenders rushing to the rescue of their patrons. For instance, Benjamin Smith, a bartender working in Los Angeles, explained to us in an earlier in-depth interview how bartenders create secret signals for customers to show that they’re in need of assistance. One such sign is ordering an ‘angel shot.’

    When you order an ‘angel shot’ at a bar that has them, the bar staff know that something’s not right and will do everything that they can to protect you from unwanted attention and potentially dangerous customers.

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    (T)reacherou(S)
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good, but I think the bartender should've given her non alcoholic from the beginning, the other dude was obviously a creep. Still nice of the bartender, scary situation!

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    Man in the ceiling
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good on him! More bartenders should do this if they spot someone acting shady around a persons drink.

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    “The angel shot has saved and will continue to save lives,” bartender Ben told Bored Panda that it’s vital that people know ‘angel shots’ exist to help patrons.

    As a bartender, he has already had to step in to help some clients. “I have definitely had to Intervene in multiple situations where someone has felt uncomfortable. Most bars have security so they are helpful in assisting in these situations,” he said.

    According to the bartender, a vital part of working as a bartender is being able to read the room and people’s body language. The job is so much more than just taking orders and serving drinks!

    “I think it’s key that bartenders are aware of their surroundings and pay attention to guest body language. I can easily tell if someone is uncomfortable or may need my help,” Ben explained to Bored Panda, adding that he was glad that his video helped educate industry workers, as well as guests, about the ‘angel shots’ secret signal.

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    Mouse
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did something similar, just no one was around to hear me. I was waiting in a parking lot to pick up my husband from working late one night. Hear a noise, look up and there's a guy penguining it and having a good time with his hand. I thought if I turned on my highbeam headlights he would be embarrassed and stop. But, no, he used the lights like he was on stage somewhere and quite proud of the show he was giving me so I honked, still nothing, yelled at him, no reaction, just staring and getting a workout. I just shut off the lights while he did his thing and then he went back into work. Weird moment.

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    Loading Screen Tips🇺🇦
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's great to see people actually being upstanders. Maybe all those seminars in school actually worked.

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    In LA-based bartender Ben’s opinion, ‘angel shots’ are “something we should all know about.” In that particular bar, there are 3 variations. For example, ordering an ‘angel shot’ with lime means that you need police assistance.

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    Meanwhile, the ‘neat’ variant means you need someone to walk you to your car because you don’t feel safe going out alone. Lastly, there’s the on-the-rocks version of the ‘angel shot’ that signals the bar staff that they should call you a taxi. Of course, these signals can vary from bar to bar and state to state. So it’s best to have a frank chat about these sorts of things with the staff if you visit a bar regularly.

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    RJ The Drama King
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it looks like an abusive situation to others it might be one. Honey throw the whole husband out

    Trash Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, but even non-abusive couples fight on occasion. But I agree that it’s good to check and protect the victim as well as you can.

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    Honza Slavinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine being so entitled that you seriously believe somebody owes you an explanation of their private matters. If you want to be world saviour, start in muslim countries.

    El Dee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had the same thing happen many years ago. It's SO good to know that bar staff are keeping an eye out for this and can give you a safe exit..

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    Absolutely anyone can be a victim of harassment. However, some groups of people are particularly vulnerable and can become targets more often.

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    Emily May, the Co-Founder and Executive Director at ‘Hollaback!’, an organization that aims to put an end to harassment in all of its forms, told Bored Panda some time ago that harassment can happen anywhere. It’s something that isn’t restricted to a single place. It can happen on the street, in bars, in the supermarket, on social media.

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    Anne Reid
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! As a bartender, when I read the original post, I was angry that the bartender knew enough about the guy to know he was a predator, but couldn’t or wouldn’t kick him out! None of the places I’ve worked in would allow someone like him in!

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    Man in the ceiling
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s always odd how when predators get their odd plans foiled by decent people they get irritated like they’re getting majorly inconvenienced.

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    Caro Caro
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy Moly. 17 years old, the poor girl. Imagine what could have happened. SH!T

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    “At its core is a power dynamic that constantly reminds historically subordinated groups of our vulnerability to assault in public spaces. Street harassment can happen to anyone, but disproportionately punishes women, girls, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups for being themselves in the world,” the expert noted.

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    Destiny Harbour
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    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To think that so many guys feel entitled to hunt women like prey and expect nobody to stop them!!

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    However, a strong and tight-knit community can help protect the most vulnerable members from potential dangers.

    “One thing that can help you build a sense of safety is community. Take the time to get to know the good folks in your neighborhood and build positive relationships with not just your neighbors, but the people who deliver the mail, the trash folks, the guy that mows your neighbor’s lawn, etc.,” Emily explained to Bored Panda.

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    Katy McMouse
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In cases like that, I think it would also be good to call the cops. It's one thing to be harassed in bars by drunks, but to have someone stone cold sober, in a store, following and sexually harassing you, is a whole other animal. You know that this isn't his first time doing this, nor is it his last.

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    “The more people you know, the more people will have your back if something happens again. Knowing this can increase your sense of safety and belonging in your community,” she said that having a network of people you can trust can help you feel safer.

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    #33

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    Kathryn Baylis
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never assume something like that. People often need protection from family too!

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    Ace Girl
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like all bars should use that same machine that seals a lid on the cup that you poke your straw through like at bubble tea places. I don't need my bubble tea covered, but I do need my alcoholic drink covered. Just makes sense that bars would adopt this same method!

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